Important Buddhist scholars share their insights into the rule of Saint Benedict, revealing surprising common ground shared by the monastic traditions of Christianity and Buddhism. When four senior Buddhists sit down to discuss the rules of Christian monasticism, ideas fly. In Benedict's Dharma , Zen priest Norman Fisher, meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein, professor Judith Simmer-Brown, and Yifa, a nun of the Chinese Buddhist tradition, flesh out The Rule of Saint Benedict , which has guided the organization and daily life of the Western Christian monastic tradition since the ninth century. Time after time, these Buddhists find in The Rule of Saint Benedict , which is included in its entirety, points that resonate with the their own experiences--points such as an emphasis on reverence, a pragmatic mindset, and the need for hard work and practice. From these agreements, as well as out of some marked differences, come lively evaluations of both Buddhist and Christian practices. And in the end, as the Christian monk David Steindl-Rast says in his "Afterword," the resources of the monastic tradition, for lay people as much as for monks, still have much to offer everyday life. Taking a Christian text as a source of inspiration for Buddhism offers a new rapprochement for those who have fled to Buddhism from a Christian upbringing. And for the Christian faithful, it offers a fresh perspective on a revered but musty classic. --Brian Bruya In 1996, the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue brought together 25 Buddhist and 25 Christian monastics "for the purpose of mutual spiritual benefit and communion." Inspired by that engagement, four prominent Buddhist scholars from different traditions penned essays responding to some of the chapters in the Rule of Saint Benedict the sixth-century guide that has defined the structure and organization for much of the Christian monastic community since the ninth century. Henny (The Ironic Christian's Companion, LJ, 12/98) has deftly organized their observations to address general themes such as "Freedom and Forgiveness" and "Discipline and Spontaneity." These thoughtful meditations offer hard-to-find Buddhist perspectives on the similarities and differences evident in the traditions. Recommended for public and academic libraries collecting one step beyond the most popular religious titles. James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of North Carolina Lib., Asheville Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. The sixth-century Rule of Saint Benedict, a masterpiece of spiritual wisdom, has determined monastic life within the Christian church for centuries. In 1996 some 25 Christian monastics and 25 Buddhists gathered at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky to discuss how modern monastics interpret Benedictine spirituality. One product of that week of dialogue is this book, in which several Buddhists offer fresh perspectives on the ancient spiritual guideline. They describe their personal encounters with aspects of the rule and how they as Buddhists find sustenance and relevance in it. They believe the rule transcends the particulars of any one religious tradition to embrace universal truths. The book's parts treat general themes, such as freedom and forgiveness, discipline and spontaneity, tradition and adaptation, and leadership and humility. In the book, Christianity and Buddhism find common ground in "general guidelines for an inner journey," as one Buddhist describes it. Patrick Barry's new translation of the rule is included in the text. June Sawyers Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Used Book in Good Condition